Finding Rat Park — Denise Harrison
Classification: Coping with addiction, Addiction and therapy, Coping with drug and alcohol problems
Reviews
Denise Harrison takes Bruce Alexander's famous Rat Park experiments – where rats rejected drugs when they had resources, community and connection but became addicted in isolation – and turns the science into a practical recovery guide that actually works. What sets this book apart is Denise's lived experience. Having faced addiction and homelessness herself before recovering, she writes with real understanding. She discovered the Rat Park theory during treatment and realised its truth: addiction is about isolation, not just substances. The book is refreshingly practical, offering concrete tools for managing triggers and cravings rather than just theory. Each chapter includes exercises and tips written with genuine kindness – exactly what's needed during tough moments. The core message? Build your own "Rat Park" through meaningful connections. It's not just about stopping using; it's about creating a life worth living. It's an invaluable resource for anyone touched by addiction.
Engaging, enlightening read by a brilliant writer. Using this book could save lives.
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Description
Admission into detox was never a goal of mine.
I didn’t ever aspire to become an alcoholic.
They were the people on benches or sitting in doorways with their cheap cans of lager or extra strength cider.
Not me.
It was never, ever supposed to be me…only it turns out that what I thought was irrelevant, because I became one anyway…
‘This book is a masterpiece – written with such simplicity, clarity and kindness. And using the Rat Park analogy is a stroke of genius. It could be life-changing for anyone going through recovery or any kind of challenges’ Matt Peacock MBE
Further details
Reviews
Denise Harrison takes Bruce Alexander's famous Rat Park experiments – where rats rejected drugs when they had resources, community and connection but became addicted in isolation – and turns the science into a practical recovery guide that actually works. What sets this book apart is Denise's lived experience. Having faced addiction and homelessness herself before recovering, she writes with real understanding. She discovered the Rat Park theory during treatment and realised its truth: addiction is about isolation, not just substances. The book is refreshingly practical, offering concrete tools for managing triggers and cravings rather than just theory. Each chapter includes exercises and tips written with genuine kindness – exactly what's needed during tough moments. The core message? Build your own "Rat Park" through meaningful connections. It's not just about stopping using; it's about creating a life worth living. It's an invaluable resource for anyone touched by addiction.
Engaging, enlightening read by a brilliant writer. Using this book could save lives.